DualShock PS4 Controller Review

Review of DualShock PS4 Controller powered by the Slant community.

The DualShock PS4 Controller is a gaming controller made by Playstation for the PS4. It is able to work on PC through various third party apps that install drivers, mimicing the support of an Xbox controller.

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Pros

Pro

Can be used either wired or wireless

The controller has a microUSB port on the back for charging or connecting. It can also be used wirelessly over Bluetooth.

Pro

Multi-touch trackpad

The upper-middle section of the controller features a multi-touch pad that allows you to click it as well. This can help navigation on a PC because you can use it just like a laptop's trackpad

Pro

Game compatibility is increasing

Some recent games will work with the PS4 controller without the need of an app/driver to emulate the XBox controller, and you will see PS4 button prompts on the screen (cross, square, circle, triangle, etc.). Some example games are: The Division (Ubisoft), Rocket League and Paragon (Epic Games / Early Access).

Pro

Built-in battery

Doesn't require purchase of batteries. Recharges over microUSB.

Pro

Full audio available

With both a headphone jack as well as built-in speakers, the DualShock PS4 controller offers flexible audio experiences so you don't have to be tethered to your desktop at all when you game.

Pro

App available that offers many functions

In order to get easy wireless support as well as button mapping and loading of profiles the user can install a third party app called DS4Windows. While this is an extra step, the features it offers are worthwhile for anyone looking to get full compatibility with the controller.

Cons

Con

Best compatibility requires an app on Windows

Out of the box support may not be that great with the PS4 controller on PC. Buttons may need to be mapped in order for the controller to work as intended. Only games with DirectInput support will work out of the box. This means the user will need to install button mapping software or some other app that allow gaming profiles to be loaded easily to get a similar experience to using an XBox controller.

Please note this only applies to Windows, which requires a wrapper such as DS4Windows for XInput support (and thus vibration and touchpad support). Linux supports all of the controller's features natively since kernel version 3.15.

Con

Short attery life

Battery lasts 7-8 hours before needing a recharge.

Con

May be too small for those with big hands

The PS4 controller has a smaller profile when compared to the Xbox controllers, which means it may not be as comfortable to hold for those that have large hands and are used to a larger controller.